I already posted this question elsewhere, but this looks like the right place. My 1990 Ford Taurus...the air bag light on the dash has been blinking for the better part of this year. Could this be just a fuse, does it mean my airbag won't work or what's the deal? Any help would be appreciated.
Posts: 1265 | Location: Edmonton, Alberta Canada | Registered: 06-06-02
Roog: When that light comes on it is an indication that there is a problem in the circuit to the airbag module or a problem in the module itself. In the vast majority of the cases it is also an indication that the airbag WILL NOT function properly, if at all, if called upon to do so. If you want it to be fully functional then you'll need to have a QUALIFIED tech look at it. This is not something you want to fool with. If not repaired correctly the module could go off unnecessarily, or NOT go off when needed. If it were to deploy by itself as you were driving down the road I cannot begin to tell you how surprised you would be. The bag itself is propelled by a fuel akin to rocket fuel and it comes out with a tremendous vengeance. Depending upon the distance you sit from the steering wheel it could do some damage to you. Picture George Forman standing in front of you and a big roundhouse coming your way. I used to have to return failed modules to General Motors and had to deploy them before shipping them back. To see one of these go off from 30 feet away is kind of amazing. Imagine what it's like from 10 inches. You may have gathered I have mixed feelings about the merits of these devices. So just make sure, IF you want it repaired, to have someone qualified do the work. Also consider most repairs of this type can get very expensive. Depending on the problem, you could be in the $300. to $1800. range.
Posts: 127 | Location: Medina, Oh. USA | Registered: 06-03-02